In the highly anticipated UFC 315 main event, the spotlight is on the welterweight division as Jack Della Maddalena takes on the defending champion, Belal Muhammad. This thrilling matchup, set to unfold in Montreal, Canada, promises to be a defining moment for both fighters, with the coveted welterweight title on the line. This fight marks Muhammad's first title defense after his withdrawal from a previous bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 due to injury.
Belal Muhammad, known as 'Remember The Name', clinched the welterweight title from Leon Edwards in a stunning performance at UFC 304 last summer. Currently riding a remarkable 10-fight unbeaten streak, Muhammad has proven his mettle in the octagon. Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena enters the ring with an impressive record of 17-2, boasting an even longer winning streak than the champion. However, he arrives at UFC 315 as the betting underdog, despite his recent victory over former title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, which took place over 400 days ago.
As the fight approaches, many analysts predict that Muhammad will aim to neutralize Della Maddalena’s exceptional striking capabilities with his wrestling skills. However, former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya sees things differently. Adesanya is confident that Della Maddalena possesses the skills necessary to secure a knockout victory over Muhammad, a feat accomplished only once before by Vicente Luque in 2016.
Adesanya expressed his support for Della Maddalena on his YouTube channel, stating, “F—— Jack Della Maddalena, ‘And New’, baby. By knockout… I believe in them things, man,” referring to Della Maddalena's striking prowess. With 12 of his 17 wins concluding in knockout, Della Maddalena is certainly a formidable force in the welterweight division.
Regardless of the outcome at UFC 315, Adesanya emphasizes his respect for Belal Muhammad, acknowledging him as a champion not only in the octagon but also as an inspiration to many. Muhammad, a native of Chicago, proudly represents Palestine, especially in light of ongoing conflicts overseas. Adesanya commends Muhammad for his dedication to his community, stating, “Respect to Belal. I like what he fights for as well.”
Adesanya recognizes Muhammad's role as a champion for the Palestinian people, highlighting the importance of having a figure to look up to during challenging times. “Even if Jack wins, I still think Belal is a champion for those people because he fights for them. He champions them, and they should hold him in high regard,” Adesanya explained.
As UFC 315 approaches, fans eagerly await this explosive showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad. With Israel Adesanya backing Della Maddalena for a knockout victory, the tensions and stakes are high. No matter the outcome, this event promises to be a thrilling chapter in the history of the UFC welterweight division.